I started posting on HowieinSeattle in 11/04, following progressive American politics in the spirit of Howard Dean's effort to "Take Our Country Back." I decided to follow my heart and posted on seattleforbarackobama from 2/07 to 11/08.--"Howie Martin is the Abe Linkin' of progressive Seattle."--Michael Hood.

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

''Washington Republicans’ Ties Raise Serious Questions''

"Today, a Texas grand jury indicted Congressman Tom DeLay (R-TX) on the charge of criminal conspiracy. DeLay could face up to two years in jail. Congressman DeLay was also forced to step down as House Majority Leader.This is the culmination of months of investigation into DeLay’s activities. These investigations have uncovered a simmering culture of corruption that runs rampant throughout the Republican party. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) is currently being investigated by the SEC (Securities Exchange Commission) as a result of his shady dealings with HCA Inc.Last year, House Republicans voted to weaken ethics rules in order to protect their leader. They reversed their actions only after intense political pressure. How far have the tentacles of this culture of corruption reached into Washington State? Our Republican delegation has significant ties to DeLay. What will be uncovered next?

Congressman Richard “Doc” Hastings (R-4): Hastings chairs the House Ethics Committee, the body whose duty is to investigate any ethics inquiries involving a member of the House. Under his leadership, the House Ethics Committee has stood at a standstill, as Hastings has employed obstructionary tactics to prevent the committee from doing its job. Why has this happened? Hastings took more than $4000 in campaign cash from DeLay during the 1993-1994 campaign cycle, and accepted more than $1000 from him during the 1997-1998 cycle [opensecrets.org]. Hastings also has ties to corrupt super-lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Congressman Dave Reichert (R-8): Last year, amidst ethics investigations involving other activities, DeLay came to Western Washington to campaign for Reichert. Reichert also accepted $20,000 in campaign contributions from DeLay. Who does Dave Reichert want to represent -- Tom DeLay's conservative, win-at-all-costs wing of the Republican Party or the independent voters of the 8th Congressional District?

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris (R-5): McMorris accepted $5000 in campaign cash from DeLay. This came only days after DeLay was rebuked by the House Ethics Committee. What does this say about McMorris?

All three members of our Republican delegation have voted with DeLay, and down the party line, at least 96% of the time.